Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini claims he does not shout out the field because that is like “being a small child” - and instead he tries to be lead by being “close” to his teammates.

The Magpies are winless, bottom of the Premier League and lacking in many areas - one of the most crucial being leadership.

Amid much criticism of his United captaincy, with many believing Coloccini should not have been retained as Steve McClaren’s skipper this season, the Argentine has defended his methods.

Rarely vocal and not often interviewed - this occasion aside - Coloccini believes it would be counter-productive to shout and bawl at his teammates during their current plight.

Instead, Coloccini reveals that he tries to be there when his teammates need him, both on and off the field.

Coloccini, speaking to The Mirror, said of his own leadership style: “I could go (on) to the pitch and start to shout and put my hand up, but that is not the way to lead a squad. It is like being a small child then.

“I try to be with the players. If they need something on the pitch, or in life outside football, I try to be close to them to get what they need and help.

“We have to be close on the field. I try to give confidence.

“Here in the changing room, I say: ‘Are you okay? Wife? Kids?’

“It is a nice group. We just need little things to improve.”

When asked if there are enough strong ­characters in the United dressing room, Coloccini responded: “Sometimes it is very ­difficult, because many do not speak English.

“I am not perfect, but I can ­understand and express myself. So ­sometimes it’s difficult.”

Interestingly, despite Newcastle being rock-bottom of the Premier League and already five points adrift of safety, Coloccini claims he does not look at the table until at least December.

But he believes things will pick up soon and the Magpies will turn their form around.

He added: “I never look at the table at the moment.

“Maybe in December, I will look and study it. For now, only getting points is important. If you watch the league, you maybe find it hard to believe that Newcastle are in such difficulties.

“I know that is difficult to say at the moment because of results and we are not doing well, that is 100 per cent sure. But I am lucky to be inside this group. I see things that the results don’t reflect.

“It seems we cannot take points. That is a massive thing. But there are little things we can trust - we have a great staff as well, a positive staff trying to guide us, and we will finish strong.

“We need to create positive things and trust this squad and staff because we are going in the right way.”